Monuments and plaques of confederate notables like Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson have been taken down in the Bronx and Brooklyn, and there is a push to rename some streets.

In my opinion, plaques and monuments tell a story of American history. That includes the bad and the good, which has troubled, angered and divided America. If we deny history we are doomed to repeat it, and future generations will truly suffer.

You fight racism and hate with love and understanding. History cannot be changed, but we can learn to live in peace and harmony with one another and teach our children to do the same.